Good luck! I know how you feel. We're tossing around the idea of a homebirth for whenever we decide to have #2, and honestly, the only thing that is holding me back is the thought of breaking up with my midwife. I absolutely adore her, and she did such an amazing job when my son was born. Like you said, I almost wish she'd done or said something to make it an easy choice. Of course, in my biggest wishes, she decides that she wants to do home births, thus solving my whole problem, but that's pretty wishful thinking.;)

That's awesome, Stephanie! I'm seriously thinking about a home birth next time (if the Lord gives us a next time). I have an incredible OB but some things happened during postpartum that I think were directly related to being in the hospital. Besides I want my baby with me the WHOLE time (with a few shower/potty breaks in between:) I'll pray for your courage and stamina. Congrats!

I'm proud of you for listening to your heart and doing what you feel is best for you, your family, and your new little princess. You go girl!! I'll be praying for you and your meeting that it all goes well.

Good for you, Steph! Go with what you know is right for you and this baby, and all will be well. It takes bravery to stand up for yourself. I'm going through a similar situation (although not with a doctor and pregnancy) and it can be tough, but if you know that you know that you know you are doing what you need to, you'll be ok no matter how they (or others) react. I'll be praying.

I'll be praying that it goes well. I know what it's like to want to leave the relationship intact, and not burn any bridges or hurt feelings unnecessarily.

It looks like I'll be doing something similar at the end of this week, having to tell our midwife that we're just not connecting, and that we are going with someone else. We chose her so we could have a home birth, but then my husband decided he just couldn't handle that for our first baby, and the midwife turned out to be a "just lie back in the stirrups and let me do all the deciding" type. Ah, you are right, breaking up is no fun at all, and in my case, it will necessitate burning a bridge or two.

I've been thinking the same thing. I don't know about home birth...but I just do not get into my ob. Actually, I don't even know WHO my Dr. is! I see someone new every time and I feel like a little cow being herded in and out!

Today I've been researching natural childbirth-friendly doctors and hospitals around here. I'm tempted to just skip out on my 30 week appointment and make an appointment with a new doc!

YAY for homebirth!! and good for you for doing what you felt was right in your heart. so many mamas stick it out in a situation they are not comfortable with or with a provider that isn't right because they feel it is too late to change their mind.

Hey Steph! :) Speaking of homebirth, have you seen the new Ricki Lake/Abby Epstein documentary "The Business of Being Born"? We just watched it at girls' night and I thought it was a fantastic perspective of midwifery and homebirths (and I'm the epidural-loving hospital type). If you haven't seen it already you should definitely check it out! You go mama.

Steph... Last summer I read the book BIRTH: The Surprising History of How We Are Born, by Tina Cassidy. I loved it. It mesmerized me. I actually want to read it again. The author comes from Rhode Island, and I know her mom in a business association.

I had C-sections with Audrey and Jane, but I have always been fascinated with home births. You must follow your heart... but I would like to know how your Mom feels about it.

my friend and i have had this conversation about our ob's before. i mean, we share a really strong bond with them, you know? they've seen the most intimate times in our lives, and when you leave them, it really is sad! i get sad that i don't see my doctor anymore...really, i love her! and she totally treats her patients like she loves them. i totally understand how you must be feeling. if i would have had to do what you're doing, i would have definitely cried!!

I hope he doesn't try to "scare" you out of it either! Give us more details as to how you made the decision to birth at home...I remember you said birthing at home was going to be way more expensive than at the hospital.

After having a failed homebirth attempt and being transported 30 minutes to a hospital with Zoe in 2001 (daughter was facing the wrong way and weighed 10 lbs. and my midwife was NOT at all helpful), I opted for a Nurse Midwife in a Birthing Center with Troy in 2007.

But, I switched 3 times before finding the perfect midwife! You just know what's right.

And I'm sure you will be fine since this is your fourth time! Good for you!